The Mini(scule) Dress

In honor of a woman's right to bare almost all on a lovely summer day, today's Couture Carrie post is devoted to that alluring gam-showcasing garment favored by celebs and mere mortals alike: the minidress. Much ado has been made about the scandalous lack of fabric on some of these frocks, but CC does not judge. Enjoy, darlings!! First, the runway...
As you know, CC is enamored of Frida Giannini's Resort 2009 Collection for Gucci, so here's another stunner, above left: a swingy pleated minidress in a regal navy, white and saffron print.

At right: Wunderkind's pinstripe bow detail dress . . .

This look is a bit over-the-top, with the leopard print jacket and purple ankle socks/blue platform combo, but CC loves it nonetheless!!

Balmain strapless black leather mini dress, via vogue.com/uk.

It doesn't get any skimpier than this!!

Temperley London op-art print dress. Note how the thigh high leather boots just meet the end of the frock - sexy!

First four photos in today's CC post via style.com.

Kenzo floral half-sleeve dress, via nymag.com.
This gorgeous cut-out halter neck Stella McCartney frock (runway photo via style.com) has become nearly synonymous with its most famous wearer, a close friend of the designer . . .

Yes! Gwyneth Paltrow looooves the black minidress. Here she is on the cover of U.S. Bazaar; if it seems that she forgot to put on pants, that may be the case: this sequined "dress" is, by the editors' own admission, a Proenza Schouler "t-shirt".

But hey, Gwynie looks amazing, so who are we to complain?

Blumarine feathered spaghetti strap dress, via nymag.com.

Réyes belted, layered tank dress, via nymag.com
How to wear it without looking tawdry?

If there's not much on the bottom, make sure the top is covered up a bit . . . Proportion is everything!

This Rachel Pally asymmetrical mini dress (for puchase at shopbop.com) is a bit wacky, but it illustrates CC's point: the long sleeve balances out the lack of fabric on the skirt!
Likewise, this Tofu organza minidress is made demure by its poufy cap sleeves and conservative silk pleat collar. Visit asos.com to buy.
The magenta puff sleeves and pleated silver hem of this Réyes silk tunic dress really class it up. Visit hampdenclothing.com.

Expert tailoring is another sure way to maintain some ladylike decorum when wearing a short dress. No one will sneeze at the impeccable craftsmanship of this Zac Posen seamed stretch wool minidress. Lovely neckline and pocket details!

The a-line dress is a fairly forgiving as well. Try this Missoni abstract print mini dress, This and the previous look are both at neimanmarcus.com.

Or showcase those toned legs in a Yumi Boutique pleated chiffon dress with lace trim. Go to asos.com to see the lovely detailing on the back of this little frock - brills!
One fabulous aspect of these flirty frocks? They transition easily from summer to fall/winter with a sassy pair of tights. A pair of opaque tights is an instant remedy for a too-short dress!! This Stella McCartney grey strapless tulip dress (available at Neiman Marcus) will go from sultry to cozy with the addition of a lovely pair of patterned tights!

Another word of advice about wearing a body-con mini, like this Herve Leger stunner? As Rachel Bilson illustrates, CONFIDENCE is the best antidote to looking awkward in a scandalously short dress. Stand up straight and don't tug at the hem of your frock. Strut it and mean it! And remember, a little self-tanner doesn't hurt! Have a lovely weekend, darlings!

Corsets and Bustiers and Lingerie, oh my!

Couture Carrie’s favorite fashion medium has gone from binding necessity to stylish accessory. To begin with, CC provides a visual historical reference: this P.D. Original black satin corset made in Belgium, c. 1890. Go to antiquedress.com. For more scholarly writing on this topic, read the wonderfully encyclopedic recent post by Fellow Fashionista Danz: http://fatalfashionattraction.blogspot.com/2008/06/define-and-enhance.html and refer to the Victoria and Albert Museum website http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion/features/corset.

On the runways, the corset (traditionally laced and strapless) has transformed into the bustier, an equally sexy and female form-flattering garment.

Derek Lam's gray wool top is brilliantly in step with this fall's feminine glamour!

Note how this snap-front Etro navy bustier is worn over a long sleeve shirt! Photo via French Vogue.

Sometimes, delicate lacing is a point of departure for other garments, as with these Jean-Paul Gaultier "corset pants"; photo via nymag.com.

Zac Posen red bow bustier; detail photo via Style.com

Verrier white lace bustier, Spring 2007, via nymag.com

Wunderkind pink satin bustier, Spring 2008, via style.com

Roberto Cavalli Fall 2008 floral detail bustier, via nymag.com

HOW TO WEAR:

There is a transformative power in this garment; wearing a corset top can't help but make you sit up straighter, strut a bit more, and feel overwhelmingly confident and sexy! So if you haven't worn a bustier lately, give it a chance to work its magic! The corset can be worn in the traditional manner, as an undergarment. Try a Deborah Lindquist bustier, like this pale green one, at Faire Frou Frou.
More often, however, the bustier is a layering piece, meant to be admired, rather than hidden away under one's petticoats! It can be worn as a tank top or a vest, either over or under other pieces.

CC is absolutely enamored of this Gaetano Navarra cashmere felt corset for Fall 2008. Photo at left courtesy elle.com.

Another fanciful wool corset recently appeared in W Magazine: How incredible is this black cashmere Koi Suwannagate bustier?? Available at Fred Segal Los Angeles. (Note that a red cotton Rosamosario corset is worn as a skirt in this photo!)

Get the look for less at victoriassecret.com. This black corset top, with boning for shaping, is just $16.99! CC loves how it's layered over a tee!
Modern corsets may even have sleeves, as evinced by Ronald Abdala's top, pictured below. Visit ronaldbdala.com.
Of course, the bustier dress is always a hot item. The original and best? Dolce and Gabbana, of course! Get this D&G stretch sateen frock in Peacock at Bergdorf Goodman.
Another stunner for fall, available at Neiman Marcus, is Roberto Cavalli's magenta and black satin corset dress.
This adorable madras plaid bustier dress is on sale for a mere $34.99 at Victoria's Secret!

Whether as underwear or outerwear, the corseted top is alluring and flattering . . . Here is CC's short list of the best online lingerie purveyors:

http://www.fairefroufrou.com/
http://www.figleaves.com/us/home.asp
http://www.fredericks.com/
http://www.glamorousamorous.com/
http://www.kikidm.com/shop/home

http://www.shoplingerielounge.com/

http://www.myla.com/us/
http://www.stockingirl.com/
Or, scan ebay from time to time . . . CC recently snapped up this pink Catherine Malandrino top and La Petite Salope bustier dress for about 75% percent off retail price!

SO:
Where do you buy your bustiers? Who are your favorite designers for this type of item? How much would you be willing to pay for the perfect piece? Will you be wearing corseted tops this fall?
xoxox CC

Ladylike Glamour

A lovely polish has swept the runways for fall, echoing the glamour and conservatism of the 1940s. It is characterized by smart suits, pencil skirts, frilly blouses, crisp tweeds, statement bags, delicate gloves, and an air of confident beauty. Perhaps we might even don a brooch?

CC begins with a runway survey (pics via style.com except where noted):
Christian Dior Couture (top left)

.

Chanel Couture
Derek Lam
Javier Larráinzar; photo via Spanish Vogue
Catherine Malandrino Resort 2009

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture handbag and glove detail
Christian Lacroix Couture brooch detail

Now, what to buy [or take out of storage!]:
1) A sleeveless or cap sleeve shift, like this Oscar de la Renta tweed sleeveless dress, available at net-a-porter.com. CC loves the Greek key cutout at the neck!

Or this RM by Roland Mouret Moon dress, a Neiman Marcus exclusive! Go to neimanmarcus.com.

Another fabulously bright (yet still conservative) sheath? Diane von Furstenberg's bold orange Domino dress, at shopbop.com.

CC also likes Isaac Mizrahi’s tuxedo-inspired shift (photo via Spanish Vogue).
This cream-hued Dior cutout sheath is simultaneously alluring and demure. Go to neimanmarcus.com.

If your budget is a bit meeker, opt for Milly's beige rolled collar pencil dress, delicately ribbon belted at the waist. Visit shopbop.com.

If the spaghetti strap is more your style, opt for this Black Halo Bouquet cami dress in topaz. Note the skinny gold self-belt! Go to revolveclothing.com.

Even an asymmetrical dress can fit the ladylike bill, as with this Black Halo one shoulder sheath, in ravishing royal blue. At Neiman Marcus.

For those blessed with sewing skills: fashion your own sheath using Vogue Pattern 1043, a wonderfully dainty full-skirted frock, circa 1953. Available at voguepatterns.com.

2) A pencil skirt, such as this J. Crew Domino jacquard pencil skirt.

Lorick Zeina navy embroidered skirt with yellow silk dupioni slip, at gargyle.com.

3) A conservative heeled shoe, preferably with a pointed toe, like this Manolo Blahnik tasseled wool pump.

Alternatively, invest in a brown or black leather bootie, such as this buckled platform by Jonathan Kelsey for Mulberry. These two photos courtesy style.com.

4) A frilly, girly blouse, either patterned (See by Chloe abstract print silk blouse at right, available at Neiman Marcus) or solid.

Forever 21 Victorian ruffle blouse. Go to forever21.com.

5) A substantial bag. In terms of accessories, it is time to invest in a durable leather shoulder bag that will stand the test of time. Think luxury and rich color, like this smashing Alexander McQueen stamped patent leather tote, for purchase at net-a-porter.com.

CC is also loving this grape-hued Botkier Morgan satchel. Visit singer22.com.

6) Gloves, gloves, gloves! Stay tuned to Couture Carrie for myriad ideas, but here’s a sneak preview:

Moschino leather gloves, available at Saks
Fifth Avenue; photo courtesy elle.com.

7) (optional; for experts only): a brooch! (Valentino Couture at right)

CC is so excited about this trend, and she hopes you are, too, my lovelies!

What's in your wardrobe already and what ladylike pieces are you poised to buy??